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These Are The 9 Best Waterproof Mascaras You Can Rely On This Spring And Beyond
Plus, how to properly remove them without damaging your lashes
Long-lasting formulas, lifting and volumising benefits you expect from your everyday mascara but without the risk of flaking or smudging? Waterproof mascaras have a lot to live up to. Thankfully, modern advancements mean you can find a waterproof option both on the high street and luxury aisles, in various shades including blue for an impactful finish and subtle yet flattering brown.
Best waterproof mascaras, tried and tested
The expert
- Jorge Balzaretti, make-up artist
What is a waterproof mascara?
Most mascaras actually fall into one of two categories: water-resistant and waterproof. 'Water-resistant mascaras are like your trusty sidekick, ready to handle a little water action – think drizzles, sweat, or a tear or two,' says Jorge Balzaretti, make-up artist at Suqqu. Meanwhile, waterproof ones are highly resilient, withstanding pool dives, sweaty summer days and the end of One Day.
What are the benefits of waterproof mascaras?
That said, these smart mascaras aren't just reserved for withstanding water. According to Balzaretti, waterproof and water-resistant formulas are game-changers for those with oily eyelids, prone to watery eyes and anyone living in a warm, humid climate (or holidaying in one).
Aside from the obvious long-wear benefits, waterproof mascaras are also incredibly low-maintenance as you only need to apply them once and the wide-eyed effects should see you through the day. 'Plus, the volumising effect is just fantastic, especially if you have shorter or thinner lashes. And here's the best part: a waterproof formula will hold the curl from your eyelash curler so much longer because it dries faster and locks that lovely lift right in place,' explains Balzaretti. It's the next best thing to a lash tint.
Removal is one of the biggest concerns when it comes to waterproof formulas: it's fair to say a waterproof formula requires a bit more elbow grease than a traditional formula or tubing mascara. It's important to be patient and gentle when taking off your long-wear mascara. A cleansing balm or oil will do the trick, or gently press a cotton pad soaked with make-up remover onto your lashes for a few seconds before sweeping it off. If that still doesn't work, a combination of both techniques should.
How we tested
To ensure a lash lift that lasts, team ELLE put these waterproof mascaras through their paces by wearing it to weddings, the gym, the pool and on holidays. Many of us are also blessed with oil-prone eyelids and complexions, which is helpful for testing long-wearing formulas. These are the ones that made the cut:
The best ELLE-approved waterproof mascaras
Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara Waterproof
The classic Lancôme mascara with a waterproof twist, this creamy formula means lashes might be pool-proof but you won't have to scrub for hours to get it off again. The curvaceous brush catches every lash to evenly coat them, delivering impressive curl, lift, volume and definition in one fell swoop.
Product specifications
| Shades: | Black |
|---|---|
| Benefits: | Definition, volume |
Short, sparse lashes will no doubt love the lengthening effect of this mascara. A couple of coats go a long way to create definition to wispy lashes. Plus, it contains a cocktail of nourishing plant oils to keep your lashes in tip-top condition while ensuring they don't feel stiff or 'crispy'.
Product specifications
| Shade: | Black |
|---|---|
| Benefits: | Definition, length |
| Additional ingredients: | Sunflower seed oil, coconut oil |
Benefit Bad Gal Bang! Waterproof
Benefit are total pros when it comes to brows and lashes, and this mascara is no exception. It separates each lash for a fanned-out effect, and the slim wand catches every lash (and is especially useful for smaller eyes). Apply in zig-zag motions from root to tip for extra volume and definition.
Product specifications
| Shade: | Black |
|---|---|
| Benefits: | Length, volume, curl |
| Additional ingredients: | Beeswax, panthenol |
MAC MACStack Waterproof Mascara
For fans of the volumising prowess of the original MAC Stack, the waterproof version delivers the same impact but with longer-lasting hold for XXL lashes. The formula is created for layering, which means you can apply multiple coats to achieve to sixties, doll-like Twiggy effect without it going too clumpy.
Product specifications
| Shade: | Black |
|---|---|
| Benefits: | Volume, length, definition |
| Additional ingredients: | Kaolin, panthenol |
For a natural, your-lashes-but-better effect, this elegant formula will do the trick. It deposits a small amount of product so it's near impossible to go overboard, and the petite wand simply lifts, tints and separates your lashes without causing any clumps. The nourishing ingredients also help to condition the lashes as you wear it. If you prefer an even softer finish, try the brown hue.
Product specifications:
| Shades: | Black, brown, burgundy |
|---|---|
| Benefits: | Definition, curl |
| Added ingredients: | Camellia oil, olive oil, panthenol |
Dior's iconic formula separates and lengthens lashes and stays put through sweaty all-night raves and long days on the beach. It comes in a trio of shades: classic black, ultra-flattering brown, and a striking runway-inspired blue. Expect impressive lift, curl and volume that lasts but do note that this can be challenging to remove. A combination of oil cleanser and micellar water should help but make sure use gentle motions to avoid damaging your lashes.
Product specifications:
| Shades: | Blue, brown, black |
|---|---|
| Benefits: | Lift, curl, volume |
| Added ingredients: | Castor oil |
The multiplying fibres in Estée Lauder's weather-proof mascara cling to the lash to give the appearance of longer, thicker lashes. Think lash extensions, but in a tube.
Product specifications
| Shades: | Black |
|---|---|
| Benefits: | Volume, lift |
| Added ingredients: | Rosemary extract, panthenol |
Described as 'a raincoat for lashes', Bobbi Brown's waterproof mascara curls and lengthens lashes while still ensuring an elegant, fluttery effect (no spider lashes here). You can also use this as the final top coat on another mascara to boost its staying power.
Product specifications
| Shades: | Black |
|---|---|
| Benefits: | Curl, length, definition |
| Added ingredients: | Kaolin |
Maybelline Sky High Lash Sensational Waterproof
When it doubt, Maybelline will have you covered. Sky High made social media waves as fans flock to its lengthening formula. The waterproof version packs the same punch, delivering lifted lashes that now stay put through tears, rain, humidity and sweat. The clever bristles help to separate the lashes for better definition, too.
Product specifications
| Shades: | Black |
|---|---|
| Benefits: | Lift, length, definition |
| Added ingredients: | Bamboo extract, jojoba oil |
Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.
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